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History of Art and Architecture
Kunst- und Architekturgeschichte
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:19:36
Abstract
Machine Age Architecture
Objective
Deepen the basic knowledge
Content
Industrialization led to a profound change in styles of home furnishing and decoration. New technologies and forms of division of labor found their way not only into the factory, but also into the home. The old utopian notion of achieving an automated lifestyle appeared to be within reach. Supported by a firm belief in the future, this was combined with the hope that machines would make life easier. The new age introduced previously unknown materials and production methods into architecture, and technological innovations ranging from domestic technology to electrical appliances came into use. In addition, however, fears were raised that technology and rationalization might eliminate culture. The seminar-course will examine the mechanization of architecture and design, primarily during the first half of the 20th century. However, the whole range will be covered, from the inventive genius of a figure such as Thomas Jefferson, who incorporated labor-saving machines into his house despite having numerous servants, through the rationalization debate of the 1920s, to Buckminster Fuller, who regarded the entire house as a machine. Often-used concepts such as machine aesthetics, “machine à habiter” and mechanization will be analyzed in the architectural context, and the strategies used by various figures involved will be traced.
General Information
- Language
- German
- Levels
- BSC , DS
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- ungraded semester performance
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise | Kunst- und Architekturgeschichte |
|
2 h weekly |
Offered In
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Compulsory Electives GESS (Categorically all students at ETH Zurich are required to obtain 8 credit points (ECTS) within the frame of this elective course program throughout their studies; 6 credit points during the bachelor and 2 for the master. Some of the lectures are part of other departments’ curricula. Further information can be found in the course catalog or at the particular student offices.)
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